Turret device for continuous casting installations

ABSTRACT

A turret device for continuous casting installations for the maneuvering of metallurgical supply vessels, in particular, pouring ladles and distributor gutters for pouring receivers and the like, includes a first bearing pivotable about a vertical axis which carries one or more arms for carrying the supply vessels which are rotatable with the pivot bearing for around the pivot bearing and a second set of pivotal arms which are independently or pivotable about the same or additionally concentrically arranged bearing at a distinct level from the first set of arms and which are provided for supporting distributor gutters and similar devices which are to be arranged at a different level from the ladles.

United States Patent Koch et al. Nov. 20, 1973 [54] TURRET DEVICE FOR CONTINUOUS 3,556,349 1/1971 Nishkovskikh et al. 222/ 168.5 S G INSTALLATIONS 3,578,063 5/1971 Niskovskikh et a1. 164/337 X 3,218,682 11/1965 Namy 164/337 Inventors: Wilhelm Koch; Gustav Walter, both of Duisberg; Siegfried Dangeleit, Krefeld, all of Germany Assignee: Demag A.G., Duisburg, Germany Filed: Dec. 15, 1970 Appl. No.: 98,223

Foreign Application Priority Data Dec. 17, 1969 Germany P 19 63 147.1

US. Cl 222/168, 164/281 Int. Cl B22d 11/10 Field of Search 164/281, 337;

ZZZ/168.5, 168

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 10/1967 Beemer 164/281 1/1971 Schoffmanetal Primary ExaminerRobert D. Baldwin AttorneyJohn M. McGlew and Alfred E. Page [5 7 ABSTRACT A turret device for continuous casting installations for the maneuvering of metallurgical supply vessels, in particular, pouring ladles and distributor gutters for pouring receivers and the like, includes a first bearing pivotable about a vertical axis which carries one or more arms for carrying the supply vessels which are rotatable with the pivot bearing for around the pivot bearing and a second set of pivotal arms which are independently or pivotable about the same or additionally concentrically arranged bearing at a distinct level from the first set of arms and which are provided for supporting distributor gutters and similar devices which are to be arranged at a difi'erent level from the ladles.

2 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures TURRET DEVICE FOR CONTINUOUS CASTING INSTALLATIONS SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates in general to the construction of metallurgical equipment and, in particular, to a new and useful turret device for use with continuous casting plants for the movement of the metallurgical supply vessels, such as pouring ladles, distributor gutters and the like, and which includes a plurality of sets of arms which extend outwardly from a central supporting bearing which provide means for supporting the individual metallurgical objects at distinct levels for rotation in the plane of their support.

Arranging a single intermediate gutter which is liftable and lowerable on a pivotable column is known.

Usually, such intermediate gutters conveyed the casting metal through an emergence spout into the continuous casting mold. It is necessary to lift or lower the intermediate gutter in order to bring the immersion pipe into and out of the pouring position. The mold is supported on a pivotal arm in order to make the mold freely accessible because the mold must, among other things, be exchanged when the continuous casting installation is to be changed over to another cross section. The immersion pipe must be replaced from time to time because of the wear that has occurred. All of these operations require the pivoting away of the intermediate gutter from the pouring position. To that extent, the singly pivotal intermediate gutter serves for the maintenance or servicing of the immersion pipe and continuous mold.

Another known solution proposes replacing evacuated casting ladles as quickly as possible by filled ones in order to approach sequence casting as nearly as possible. For known reasons however, masonry lined tanks must be exchanged after a prolonged operating time. In this respect, there are less difficulties for the casting ladles because the cycle of the ladles permits the evacuation of the slag, relining and heating up again without requiring the use of only one in the same ladle. Exchanging the intermediate gutter instead interrupts the pouring process because the change requires relining and reheating which takes hours or even days. Therefore, the mounting of the gutter so that it may be pivotally moved does not eliminate the difficulty of gutter changing. For this reason, there have been used until the present time intermediate gutters which run on tracks and cars. The arrangement of several such changed cars requires an extensive track system. Tracks however, easily get fouled up on the casting platform. The space requirement for the tracks does not permit adequate use of the area of the casting platform. There are special difficulties which are encountered for the connection of the current leads for the running and lifting drives. The lift drive is necessary for an exact adjustment of the height of the casting jet above the level of the melt in the continuous mold. In addition, the casting operation in a continuous casting installation requires a well defined point of impingement of the casting jet within the cross section of the continuous mold.

A turret device for casting ladles and a known device of that kind for pivotable distributor gutters require a relatively large portion of the casting platform surface. Especially the cars and track systems for the distributor gutters are even less suitable for the operation on the casting platform. Despite these drawbacks, distributor gutters which run on cars have found a use in practice, but they are generally disliked by the continuous casting operator. The work of breaking out and lining the distributor gutters must be carried out elsewhere than on the casting platform. Therefore, the change of the distributor gutter by means of a pivot arm cannot be carried out faster than with the usual distributor gutter change cars. On the other hand, depending on the number of pouring pipes or ladles, considerable weights result for the distributor gutters so that there is a prejudice against arranging on a casting platform such a rotary column which is able to serve as a support for the casting gutter. Liftable and lowerable, as well as pivotable intermediate gutters, therefore, do not fulfill the requirement of the practice.

The present invention provides means for organizing the conditions on the casting platform in a better manner. The invention includes a pivotal post for supporting at least a plurality of support arms for carrying the casting ladles at an upper level and a plurality of separate arm members for carrying associated equipment such as distributor gutters at a second level. The construction is such that a fast change in the metallurgical supply vessels or ladles in coordination with a rapid exchange of the empty and filled casting ladles and the change of the distributor gutters may be effected. The construction makes it possible to manipulate the supply vessel and the intermediate vessel as well as the gutters with the handling speed and dispatch. The invention provides a single central supporting column on which the pivot arms for the casting ladles and similar arms for the distributor gutters are arranged in separate planes at different levels for movement independently of each other. The pivoting away of the casting ladle and the distributor gutter after a completed pouring operation by movement through an extrusion casting section can be effected as rapidly and uniformly as possible and better than has been done heretofore. Thus, the casting platform is free from track ways and can be utilized in other ways or is available for easier walking. Because of the use of the common central mounting column or bearing member a small area is now required for the simultaneous preparation of several pouring operations. The independence of the pivot movements of the casting ladle arm and of the distributor gutter arms makes it possible, therefore, to carry out without impediment such preparations as the heating up of the distributor gutters at different angular positions. For equal ladle dimensions and equal distributor gutter dimensions there may even result a fixed adjustment of the individual height positions of spout apertures. The change of the distributor gutters, therefore, is effected at least as quickly as the introduction of a freshly filled casting ladle so that, possibly, even without exchange of the ladles, an exchange of the distributor gutters can take place if special occasions so require.

In the prior art, such central columns are either supported on the foundation of the casting house or are disposed on the platform of the casting stage. The invention on the other hand provides an improvement in that the central column is formed by a support of the bay framework in the region of the continuous casting installation. The load on the casting stage or platform is thereby relieved and the support of the bay framework needs to be reinforced in its cross section only slightly in order to have the required carrying capacity.

The increase in support cross section is accompanied, however, by an additional saving of space so that the arrangement of the ladle pivot arms and distributor gutter pivot arms is particularly advantageous.

According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the pivot arms for the ladles be liftable and lowerable by means of the device arranged inside the central column. The location of the lifting drive within the column protects it from any of the rough foundry operations. The possibility of raising and lowering the levels of the supporting arms makes it possible to employ ladles of different size and to correct for the height ofthe fall of the casting jet. The pivot arms for the distributor gutters are advantageously liftable and lowerable independently of the ladle pivot arms. The independent movement ensures the possibility of varying the height distances between the continuous mold casting level and the distributor gutter outflow and also between the ladle outflow and the distributor gutter bath level. These adjustments may be made proportionately so that the casting flow can therefore be adapted in the desired manner to the conditions of a single extrusion or of a multi-extrusion installation and generally may be adapted to the dimensions of the extrusion cross sections.

' If a lowering of the ladle and the distributor gutter during casting should become necessary, and the ratio of the casting jet heights of fall does not need to be changed, it is provided that the drives for the lifting and lowering movement of the pivot arms of the ladles and of the distributor gutters be operated jointly. The invention construction also makes it possible to make height adjustment of the distributor gutter without having to vary the pivot arm for the distributor gutter in height. This adjustability is obtained by connecting the distributor gutter with its pivot arm by means of a parallel linkage which is driven by a fluid piston cylinder combination to vary the height position thereof. Such a height adjustment ensures more accurate setting of the distributor gutter at different horizontal height levels.

Large distributor gutters with considerable weights can be taken up in such a way that according to the invention the pivot arm for the distributor gutter is rollably supported on an annular face of the central column. The weight of the pivot arm or the parts thereof and the weight of the parallel link rod system as well as of the distributor gutter itself need not lead to a flexure of the pivot arm and may, if desired be carried by the casting platform itself.

For an intensive carrying operation, for example, for a multi-extrusion installation, it is advantageous to secure several pivot arms for distributor gutters to the circumference of the central column. A great carrying capacity for heavy distributor gutters as well as an exact parallel displacement in different horizontal planes results in a construction in which each distributor gutter is secured with double parallel links on the circumference of the central column. The arrangement of the invention can facilitate the foundry operation in. a plurality of operations. A procedure especially to be stressed and of great value results when on multi-extrusion casting installations a distributor gutter with several spouts is pivoted alternately onto individual continuous molds. Over selected ones of the other molds, the pouring aperture is closed so that the unused molds are prepared for a new pouring operation.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved device for continuous casting installation which comprises a central supporting column and a plurality of ladle support arms carried on said column for pivotal movement therearound at a first level and a plurality of a second supporting arm at a second level for supporting one or more distributor gutters, at least some of the individual arms being separately rotatable around the column for accurate positioning of the equipment and, preferably, the arms for supporting the gutters including a parallel linkage which may be shifted for raising and lowering the support of the gutters at the outer ends of the arms.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device for use in a continuous casting plant for supporting the ladles, distributor gutters and various associated equipment for independent pivotal movement and which is simple in design, rugged in construction, and economical to manufacture.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawing and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of the invention.

IN THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a partial side elevational view of a continuous casting handling device constructed in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 2 is a section taken on the line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawing in particular, the invention embodied therein comprises a support device for easting equipment which includes a central column 1 which, instead of being supported on the casting platform 2, stands on a foundation (not shown). The central column 1 carries, in accordance with the invention, a first set of pivot arms 3 and 4 for supporting individual casting ladles 5 and 6 with the one shown in dotted lines, that is the ladle 6 being in a standby position, while the one in solid lines is in a pouring position. The casting ladle 6 is introduced, for example, even after the casting ladle S has largely run out during its pouring out operation.

The central support column also provides a rotatable pivot support for a second set of pivotal support arms 7 and 8 which are mounted for rotation about the column l at a distinct level from the first set that is lower than the first set. The individual arms have collars or hub portions 10 and 17, respectively, to which are supported over column support ledgers l4 and 14, respectively.

Drive means for selectively or rotating each of the first set of pivot arms 3 and 4, as well as for rotating the second set of arms 7 and 8, may comprise any mode of drive means. For example, each arm at the first level includes a pivot bearing portion 9 carrying a motor 50 on an extension 52 which drives its motor shaft 54 to rotate gear 56. The gear 56 is engaged with an internal gearing on a fixed bearing member 13 carried on column l. The arms 3 and 4 may have separate drives of this nature or the arms may be moved together, if desired. A similar electric motor drive can also be present at the interior of column 1 for pivoting the arms 7 and 8 independently. For this purpose, the ring 14 carries at its end face a gear formation (not shown) which is engaged by a driving motor pinion (not shown).

A further feature of the arrangement is that the column 1 includes two telescoping tube portions 16 and 17 which are extendable or retractable by suitable fluid drive means (not shown).

The column 1 is advantageously supported within the bay defined under the platform 2 by suitable framework in the region of the casting platform (not shown).

A hydraulic piston mechanism (not shown) which is disposed on the interior of the column 1, serves for the extension or retraction of the tubes 16 and 17 and the rings 13 and 14 on these columns provide bearings for each of the pivot arms 3 and 4 and 7 and 8, respectively. When the two parts 16 and 17 are extended, the height of the vessels 5 and 6 are increased in respect to the vessels supported on the support brackets 11 and 12 of the arms 7 and 8. The casting apparatus includes a continuous mold 18 having the extrusion 19 shown issuing therefrom at the bottom righthand part of FIG. 1. Mold 18 is oscillated with a lift table 20. A distributor gutter 1 l is located above the mold in a position for the pouring of the liquid metal into the mold. The gutter 11 is held and guided by a parallel linkage 21. The linkage 21 comprises the link rods 22 and 23 which are fastened with pivot joints 24 both to the pivot arms and to the particular distributor gutter. The linkage 21 is supported by a fluid piston and cylinder combination 25 which may be actuated to either raise or lower these arms with the gutter 11. This adjustment provides a parallel adjustment in height of the distributor gutter 11 or 12. The fluid piston and cylinder mechanism 25 is supported at a bracket extension portion of the arm 7 or 8 and it connects to its pivot driving piston rod to a linkage strap 26. Each of the pivot arms 7 and 8 takes the parallel links 21 along with them as well as the mechanism 25 for raising and lowering them.

For the support of the load originating from the distributor gutter 11 plus the useful load and the weight from the parallel link 21 and of the piston mechanism 25 there is provided on the central column an annular face 27 which forms a rail or trackway. Each arm 7 and 8 carries rollers 28 which engages over the trackway and which rotate around the shaft portion 29. The rollers 28 may advantageously be driven by a motor drive 3 to provide individual pivotal movement of each of the arms 7 and 8. The pivot arms 7 and 8 are guided over separate rotary collar portions 10 and 17.

As seen in FIG. 2, the link rods 22 and 23 are secured in pairs both to the supporting arms 7 and 8 and to the associated gutter. The spout aperture of the distributor gutter 11 normally present on the casting section 31 will now be on the casting section 32 so that the mold 18 becomes free for maintenance. This can be brought about, for example, in a simple manner by building up inside the distributor gutter 11 a dam 33 of ceramic material. The casting metal then flows from the ladle spout only toward the casting section 32.

It is also evident from FIG. 2 that the distributor gutters 1 1 and 12 may be equipped with all necessary associated equipment of foundry operation. Thus, a cover device 34 is fastened to the gutter 12 and includes a cover 35 protecting the melt and the distributor gutter 11 or 12 against major oxidation.

While a specific embodiment of the invention has been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

What is claimed is:

l. A turret device for a continuous casting installation, comprising a fixed foundation, a casting platform supported at a spaced location above the foundation and having a working station with an opening therein, a fixed vertical shaft mounted on said foundation and extending through the opening of said casting platform and extending above said working station, a first set of arms for carrying casting ladles rotatably supported on said shaft for rotation therearound at a first level, and a second set of a plurality of arms rotatably supported on said shaft for rotation therearound on at least one second level, said first set of arms having means for supporting casting ladles thereon, said second set of arms having means for supporting distributor gutters thereon, said shaft having at least two extensible and retractable portions, one of said portions carrying said first set of arms and the other of said portions carrying said second set of arms, said extensible and retractable portions being relatively movable, said second set of arms including a parallel linkage extending outwardly therefrom and a gutter supported by said parallel linkage, and means for raising and lowering said parallel linkage with said gutter.

2. A turret device for a continuous casting installation, comprising a fixed foundation, a casting platform supported at a spaced location above the foundation and having a working station with an opening therein, a fixed vertical shaft mounted on said foundation and extending through the opening of said casting platform and extending above said working station, a first set of arms for carrying casting ladles rotatably supported on said shaft for rotation therearound at a first level, and a second set of a plurality of arms rotatably supported on said shaft for rotation therearound on at least one second level, said first set of arms having means for supporting casting ladles thereon, said second set of arms having means for supporting distributor gutters thereon, said shaft having at least two extensible and retractable portions, one of said portions carrying said first set of arms and the other of said portions carrying said second set of arms, said extensible and retractable portions being relatively movable, said second set of arms each including a collar portion and a downwardly extending arm portion, first and second link members pivotally connected at their inner ends to said arm portion and at their outer ends to said distributor gutter, said fluid pressure means connected intermediate said first and second arms for raising and lowering said arms with said gutter. 

1. A turret device for a continuous casting installation, comprising a fixed foundation, a casting platform supported at a spaced location above the foundation and having a working station with an opening therein, a fixed vertical shaft mounted on said foundation and extending through the opening of said casting platform and extending above said working station, a first set of arms for carrying casting ladles rotatably supported on said shaft for rotation therearound at a first level, and a second set of a plurality of arms rotatably supported on said shaft for rotation therearound on at least one second level, said first set of arms having means for supporting casting ladles thereon, said second set of arms having means for supporting distributor gutters thereon, said shaft having at least two extensible and retractable portions, one of said portions carrying said first set of arms and the other of said portions carrying said second set of arms, said extensible and retractable portions being relatively movable, said second set of arms including a parallel linkage extending outwardly therefrom and a gutter supported by said parallel linkage, and means for raising and lowering said parallel linkage with said gutter.
 2. A turret device for a continuous casting installation, comprising a fixed foundation, a casting platform supported at a spaced location above the foundation and having a working station with an opening therein, a fixed vertical shaft mounted on said foundation and extending through the opening of said casting platform and extending above said working station, a first set of arms for carrying casting ladles rotatably supported on said shaft for rotation therearound at a first level, and a second set of a plurality of arms rotatably supported on said shaft for rotation therearound on at least one second level, said first set of arms having means for supporting casting ladles thereon, said second set of arms having means for supporting distributor gutters thereon, said shaft having at least two extensible and retractable portions, one of said portions carrying said first set of arms and the other of said portions carrying said second set of arms, said extensible and retractable portions being relatively movable, said second set of arms each including a collar portion and a downwardly extending arm portion, first and second link members pivotally connected at their inner ends to said arm portion and at their outer ends to said distributor gutter, said fluid pressure means connected intermediate said first and second arms for raising and lowering said arms with said gutter. 